UPDF Conducts Free Medical Outreach in Kamwokya Ahead of International Women’s Day

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), through the Directorate of Women Affairs, has conducted a free medical outreach camp in Kikete, Kamwokya, as part of activities to commemorate International Women’s Day celebrations scheduled for March 8, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

The one-day medical camp was held at KCCA Primary School Kamwokya, where residents received a range of free medical services provided by medical personnel from the UPDF Health Services.

Speaking during the outreach, the Director of Women Affairs in the UPDF, Brigadier General Charity Bainababo, said the initiative reflects the army’s tradition of giving back to the communities it serves.

She explained that the outreach aims not only to provide free treatment but also to interact with the community and offer counselling in line with the UPDF’s philosophy as a people-centred force.

“As the people’s army, we do not only provide physical security but also support other aspects of human security such as health and economic empowerment through programmes like Operation Wealth Creation,” she added.

Brig Gen Bainababo observed that Kamwokya was selected because of ongoing engagement between the UPDF and ghetto community structures working with Major General Salim Saleh. She said such initiatives help guide youth away from unrest and towards government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.

The medical team was led by Lieutenant Dr Ronald Nkumbi, who said the outreach was organised under the Directorate of Women Affairs to extend health services closer to the community.

“We are here to conduct a one-day medical outreach offering free services including antenatal care, treatment of respiratory conditions, nutritional assessments, HIV testing and counselling, health education, and guidance on personal hygiene,” Lt Dr Nkumbi said.

He encouraged residents to take advantage of the services, noting that many communities often face challenges accessing health facilities.

“These services do not always reach people in their communities, so we have brought them here free of charge. The turnout so far has been very encouraging,” he said.

Some residents welcomed the initiative and praised the UPDF for reaching out to underserved communities.

One of the beneficiaries, Nazziwa Noelin, said the medical camp had greatly helped residents who struggle to afford treatment.

“We are grateful to the UPDF for bringing these services to us. Many people have received treatment and medicine today,” she said.

Nazziwa appealed to the UPDF medical team to extend similar outreach programmes to other ghetto communities where access to healthcare remains limited.